Referral and Access Specialist

Liliuokalani Trust•Honolulu, HI

17h

About The Position

Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) is a private operating foundation committed to the social, physical, and spiritual well-being of Native Hawaiian youth and their ʻohana. LT delivers culturally grounded, healing-centered programs across the pae ʻaina through a range of service settings to meet youth and families where they are. Trust programs reflect an assets-based philosophy that honors Hawaiian values, elevates youth strengths, and builds pathways to passion, purpose, and prosperity for all youth we serve. Job Purpose The Referral Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for the Mālama Line, providing a welcoming and culturally grounded entry point for youth, ʻohana, community members, and referral partners. Through strengths-based engagement and active listening, the Specialist gathers information, assesses needs, and connects individuals to the most appropriate programs and services. Using established referral protocols and decision frameworks, the Specialist ensures equitable access across sites and islands, initiates referral and enrollment documentation, and coordinates warm handoffs to program teams. This role supports positive youth development by helping youth and families access the right supports at the right time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, education, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years’ experience working with youth, families, or community members in human services, education, or community-based settings.
Experience with data systems or case management platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
Ability to engage individuals with empathy, cultural humility, and a strengths-based approach.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of LT services and Hawaiʻiʻs community resources.
Valid driver license, clean traffic abstract, and access to a privately owned automobile with valid no-fault insurance.
TB clearance.

Nice To Haves

First Aid and CPR/AED Certification, preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact through phone, text, and other channels.
Provide welcoming, culturally grounded responses to youth, ʻohana, and referral partners.
Engage in strengths-based conversations to understand needs and goals.
Share clear information about programs, services, and community resources.
Receive, document, and log inquiries and referrals.
Conduct initial assessment to determine the level and type of need.
Use decision frameworks to route referrals to the appropriate site, program, or service.
Maintain an up-to-date listing of community resources, including mental health providers, healing materials, and social-emotional supports for youth and ʻohana.
Update the community provider resource bank.
Flag urgent or complex situations for Manager consultation.
Initiate referral and enrollment documentation in LTʻs database.
Coordinate warm handoffs to program sites or staff to ensure a high quality, kamaliʻi-centered experience.
Communicate next steps to callers and referral partners.
Conduct follow-up contacts to support successful connections.
Collaborate with program sites to ensure referrals are received and processed.
Address barriers or challenges in the referral process.
Maintain relationships with community partners, including schools, child welfare, and community-based organizations.
Maintain accurate records of inquiries, referrals, and outcomes.
Manage and update a working database of referral partners and community resources.
Share insights to support continuous improvement of referral processes.
Assist in quality improvement activities and initiatives.
Provide coverage and staffing at various LT program locations as needed.
Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organization results.
Contributes to providing a safe environment for teammates and beneficiaries.
Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development.
Holiday, evening and weekend hours required as needed.
Ability to travel as needed for Trust business.